What does it take?

[banjobenne1]

What are the qualifications of a model railraoader? Do you have to be in the hobby so long? Would you have to scratch build a locomotive. Do we really need qualifications. I have been at this stuff for over 40 years, and I would like to be able to say to whoever "I am a model railroader" with something to back me up.

[mcouvillion]

banjobene,

You've been modeling for 40 years and still are not sure you are a model railroader? Do you enjoy running trains in miniature. Do you build representations of a world you imagine, whether intricately detailed or not? Do you imagine yourself "in charge" of your empire? Then you are a model railroader! You define what you want to do, how you want to do it, and how much time and expense you want to invest. You select which "Roads" you want to visit and represent, whether you like passenger, freight, or interurban lines. You define how much detail you want your world to have. You are a model railroader! After 40 years, you should be pretty good at it, and fairly accomplished. What is it you enjoy most about the hobby? You may be the expert!

Mark C.

[Leon Silverman]

The "qualifications" of a model railroader is simply being interested in the hobby. Skill level and knowlege will come with time. People in this forum and that I have met in person have always freely offered advice and knowlege from their experiences without ever asking what my "qualifications" are.
When asking a question, you should indicate to the person what your experience level is in order for him/her to phrase the response in terms you would understand.
Otherwise, if that person challenged your qualification to call yourself a modelrailroader, you should end the conversation since you are talking to the wrong person. I meet so few people outside of this forum, hobby shops (aka LHS) and train meets to question their "qualifications".

[egmurphy]

QUOTE: The "qualifications" of a model railroader is simply being interested in the hobby.

I think Leon summed it up nicely.

I've been interested in model railroading for 45 years. During that stretch I've only been 'active' a total of maybe 7 or 8 years (active in my mind means doing any work on a layout, any operating of trains, any kit building, going to club meetings or anything more strenuous than simply reading a mr mag). Never had a layout (two quickly aborted attempts), did belong to a couple of clubs and actually built an N trak module, read magazines and books on the subject from time to time.

Two years ago, as I approached retirement, I got 'active' again and am in the process of working on what I hope will be my first completed layout.

But during all this time, even when I was doing nothing model railroad related for a couple of years, I still always considered myself a model railroader.

Your mileage may vary

Ed

[IRONROOSTER]

I think you can call yourself a model railroader from the time you get your first model.
It's like being a golfer, do you have to score under a 100, in the 80's or just go play. I say you just go play.

But if you want some credentials join the NMRA and work through their achievement program. When you have passed enough requirements you get designated a Master Model Railroader.

Enjoy
Paul

[SP4449]

[#ditto] [#ditto] ironrooster [:D]